REVIEW: I have a lot of favorite authors. Probably almost 30 of them and Ashely Farley is one of that group. I like each of them for a different reason. Matters of the Heart by Ashley Farley is a prime example of why I love her books. When I pick up one of her books, I know I want to find a quiet and comfortable place to settle in with my tablet and a cup of tea. I know I’m going to be there for a while. I can’t help myself. She writes such lovely women’s fiction. From the moment I open the book, I’m drawn into the atmosphere and the lives of the characters.

Matters of the Heart is the fourh installment of the Hope Springs Series. Can I tell you that I am axious for the fifth book to come out? I thought I read this was the last one but, I can’t find any confirmation of that. There has to be another addition to the series because I can’t see it ending here. I love these characters and need to see where their lives end up. This book ended nicely but, there has to be more. I love them so much. I want to see everyone grow and expand themselves. If you’ve read any of this series, you are probably as in love with Jazz as I am. What a cute little girl! I know we don’t get all of what we want out of life and our books but, I want it all in this series. There is something that compells me to want most of it to turn out like I want it. Will that happen? Time will tell!

If you love books about family, friends and all the heartache and love that goes with that, you will gravitate to this series like I have. I have loved it from page one of the first book! These books should probably be read in order. I think that is the only way to keep the characters straight and to know what the background is of the story. They are not terribly long books and you will not have tons of time devoted to them. They will leave you with a warmth in your heart that will stay with you long after you have finished the books. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

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SYNOPSIS: The genie is out of the bottle. After decades of secrecy, Stella has finally made her resort’s natural hot springs available to guests. Little does she know, the waters have magical healing powers. Not only do the springs cure physical ailments, but matters of the heart as well. When word gets out, she has a riot of opportunity seekers on her hands.

Presley could use a bit of that healing magic. She returns to the inn for an unexpected visit, pregnant, planning to stay for the summer, and refusing to talk about her new husband. Did she leave Everett’s concert tour because of the pregnancy? Or is there trouble in paradise already?

Also on a collision course are Cecily and Lyle who’ve been living together for six months. Things aren’t working out as they’d hoped. Their separate roads in life rarely cross. Cecily knows she may have to yield if their paths are to merge. But at what cost? Is she willing to give up the career she’s worked so hard for?

Ollie is new on staff, hired by Stella to manage the Wellness Center. After a messy divorce and losing her family’s vineyard in a fire, she’s moved from California to Hope Springs in search of a fresh start. Most newcomers to Hope Springs are running, hiding, or searching. In Ollie’s case, it’s all three.

The magical healing waters of Hope Springs are powerful. But are they enough to set this group of sojourners on the paths that will lead to their ultimate happiness?